Jaron Requinton’s perseverance is finally bearing fruit, as he cements his place in Criss Cross’ starting lineup in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference. Once a reserve player waiting for his turn, Requinton has emerged as a key figure in the King Crunchers’ dominant run.
Initially thrust into the spotlight as a spot starter during the team’s season-opening victory, Requinton seized the opportunity and never looked back. His stellar performances convinced the coaching staff to keep him in the starting rotation for the next five matches—each one ending in a resounding win.
“Ngayon po sobrang saya and overwhelming na feeling kasi nung umpisa, si Nico (Almendras) ‘yung pinalitan ko. Outside hitter ‘yun, then ngayon nasa opposite ako then nasa starting pa rin,” Requinton shared after securing his second Player of the Game award in their recent triumph over Alpha Insurance.
Against the Protectors, Requinton showcased his efficiency, converting 10 of his 13 attack attempts while adding a block and an ace to finish with 12 points in Criss Cross’ commanding 25-10, 25-12, 25-11 victory at the Ynares Sports Arena.
For Requinton, every chance to play is an opportunity to validate the trust given to him by the team.
“Gaya ng sinabi ko last time, e-enjoy ko lang ‘yung time ko sa loob ng court na binibigay sakin ng coaches ko para makapaglaro. Ayaw ko rin sila ma-disappoint na masayang ‘yung chance na binigay nila sakin na makapaglaro,” he said.
Through six matches, Requinton has been a model of consistency, averaging 12.1 points per game—the only King Cruncher to score in double figures in every outing. At the close of the elimination round’s first phase, he ranked eighth in total scoring with 61 points, sixth in spiking efficiency at 42.74%, eighth in blocking (0.44 per set), and ninth in service aces (0.17 per set).
This impressive surge is a stark contrast to his first two conferences in the league, where he barely saw playing time. Even Requinton himself is surprised by how far he has come, choosing to embrace the moment rather than fixate on individual accolades.
“Di ko nga po ine-expect eh. Nag-enjoy lang ako sa loob ng court, parang ine-enjoy ko lang ‘yung time ko na hindi ako nilalabas. ‘Di naman sa wala akong pake, pero ‘di ko pinagtutuunan ng pansin ‘yung mga points kasi dun ako sa manalo kami,” he admitted.
But now that the door has finally opened for him, Requinton is determined to walk through it with purpose. More than the personal milestones, he has his sights set on the biggest prize: a championship for Criss Cross.
“Mas ina-eye ko pa rin na makapasok kami sa finals at makuha na talaga namin ‘yung championship this conference.”
